Arctic Sea Ice Sits at Record Low for Mid-February

[phantom power]

Arctic sea ice growth has slowed dramatically in recent weeks, thanks in large part to abnormally warm air and water temperatures. Sea ice now sits at record low levels for mid-February.

According to the National Snow and Ice Data Center, as of February 18, sea ice covered about 14.36 million square kilometers in the Arctic. The previous low on this date was 14.37 million square kilometers in 2006.

The main culprit — in addition to the overall trend of global warming — is likely the rash of warm temperatures. With the polar vortex bringing cold air down to the U.S. this winter, warmer temperatures have been the norm in the Arctic. From February 1-17, temperatures were 7.2° to 14.4°F above normal for much of the Arctic. Some areas have been even warmer.

http://www.climatecentral.org/news/arctic-sea-ice-sits-at-record-low-for-mid-february-17093

[Systematic Chaos]

1. When it makes its way out of the gray area, does it win a prize?

[hunter]

2. All the stuff washed off the British Isles, perhaps?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-26081187